Fundraiser launched for Liam January’s wheelchair backrest

Colour My World South Africa (CMWSA) is running a fundraising campaign to support its teenage ambassador, Liam January, with a new backrest for his motorised wheelchair.

The Bergvliet-based non-profit organisation promotes inclusion for children with special needs through services and activities including outings, speech and occupational therapy, educational support, assistive learning programmes, physiotherapy, water therapy and aerobic classes for mothers.

CMWSA has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R10 000 for a new backrest, also known as a Tessback, for Liam’s motorised wheelchair.

Living with brittle bone disease

Liam, from Retreat, is a Grade 9 pupil at Vista Nova High School in Pinelands. He was diagnosed at birth with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone disease, which causes bones to be fragile and prone to fractures.

Liam has used a motorised wheelchair since 2018, after one was provided through fundraising. His mother, Edwina January, said the backrest has not been replaced since then because Liam has not outgrown it as quickly as other children might.

January said the family has adapted to helping Liam at home, although school can present challenges when he needs assistance with his books and bags.

“The only challenging time is when he breaks a bone, which requires careful handling,” she said.

Liam is currently recovering after breaking his leg while asleep.

Inspiring others through his ambassador role

Despite the challenges associated with his condition, Liam has served as a CMWSA ambassador for several years and gives motivational speeches at schools and hospitals.

He said he enjoys promoting the organisation and the work it does for children with disabilities.

“Whether it's swimming, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy, they encourage everyone that dreams are not impossible,” he said.

Liam said a new backrest would provide better support for his back and posture and improve his quality of life.

“Since I cannot walk like many kids, I am not able-bodied to do many things other kids do; the wheelchair is my mobility, I need a new Tessback,” he said.

Liam hopes to become a doctor after finishing school.

Supporting Liam’s independence

His mother said she is proud of her son.

“As I've always told him, he was born like this for a purpose; there's always a purpose to life,” she said.

CMWSA founder Nazleen Carelse said Liam has become a special part of the organisation.

“Our organisation exists to support children and young people with impairments and their families, not only through activities and programmes, but also by helping where there is a genuine need that can improve a child's comfort, independence and quality of life,” she said.

Carelse said the organisation decided to assist when it identified Liam’s need for a new backrest.

“Our slogan is, ‘No child should ever be excluded because of their impairments.’ Through Liam’s involvement, he helps us put a real young person's voice behind that message,” she said.

Members of the public who would like to support Liam can contribute to his BackaBuddy fundraising campaign.

For more information, visit Colour My World South Africa.